Januarie quits Springboks

2011-06-24 12:11

Cape Town - Ricky Januarie has withdrawn from the Springboks’ preliminary Rugby World Cup squad after announcing his retirement from international rugby on Friday. The 29-year-old Western Province scrumhalf made his decision after discussions with Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.

“Ricky has been a great servant to the Springboks and to all the teams he has represented over a long and successful career,” said De Villiers. “He is a combative and fearless player and has been a part of some memorable Springbok performances. I wish him all the best for the new chapter in his playing career.”

Januarie has been released from his contract by Western Province and will join French club Lyon in time for the start of the new European season.

“I’ve had a great run in South African rugby and have some fantastic memories but the time has come to move on,” said Januarie. “Lyon have offered me a new beginning and I want to concentrate all my efforts on helping them in their first season in the French Top 14.”

De Villiers said that he was comfortable to release Januarie as his inclusion in the preliminary Rugby World Cup squad was to offer experienced cover should other senior scrumhalves suffer injury.

“Ricky and I chatted and he knew where he stood in our Rugby World Cup plans,” said De Villiers. “He has reached the stage in his career where he wants to move on and there was no reason to stand in his way.

“He has produced some memorable moments over the years and his match-winning try against New Zealand in Dunedin will be remembered as long as the Springboks play.”

Januarie made the first of 47 Test caps under coach Jake White against Uruguay in East London in 2005 – his last was against New Zealand in Soweto last year. He collected winners’ medals at the World Under-21 championships in 2002 and Rugby World Cup in 2007 and was part of the Springbok squad that won the Tri-Nations Series and the series against the British & Irish Lions in 2009.

He made his provincial debut for Boland in 2002 before moving to the Golden Lions. He spent six years in Johannesburg before returning to the Western Cape in 2008 to join Western Province. He recently made his 50th Super Rugby appearance for the Stormers - and 93rd for all teams in the competition.

Sport24

Comments

Durban Dave - 2011-06-24 12:16

good luck sir , God's speed

Neo - 2011-06-24 12:48

So say I.... Ricky did the honorable thing, realising that he is not the player he used to be. Kicking the kiwis @ss at the house of pain will always be my fondest memory of him!!!!

Timothy - 2011-06-24 13:01

This is a very good decision indeed. Im not a Ricky fan but don't forget that one test that he won for us, when the whole country was cheering "Ricky"!!!! Against the blacks, when he made that little chip kick in die dying minutes. remember? Unfortunately since the 07 world cup he hand an extreme drop in form. He has never been the player that he used to be 4 years back. Give credit where credit is due....he has been around along time and he has done some good things on his day. He is definitely way behind our current scrumhalves, and I think Ricky realizes that. This is a very wise decision and a classic example of getting out at the right time. I wish Ricky well on his journey to France. Will you be missed? mmmm I dont know

chappy - 2011-06-24 13:02

I really hope the selectors do the right thing now and select Sarel Pretorius in his place, the guy has been fantastic this season.

Rob van den Heuvel - 2011-06-24 13:04

In the context of the game that try will be remembered as one of the best ever. Good luck to Ricky.

LexLuther - 2011-06-24 13:06

It's not Januarie as a person or a player, it was de Villiers selection of him for the Springboks that irked me so much. I am very glad he won't be in the RWC team this year, but good luck to him for his future carreer.

Obelix - 2011-06-24 13:16

Now it's your turn John Smit.

Grey B - 2011-06-24 14:04

Yes Good luck. You are doing the right thing. Feel sorry for you, probably not your fault for all the critisism, you didnt choose yourself.

McDaNife - 2011-06-24 14:36

Ricky Januarie? who is he. I thought he was a boxer

Rob van den Heuvel - 2011-06-24 14:37

@Obelix - and Bryan Habana.

LuMon - 2011-06-24 14:38

All the best ricky.
Chappy, have you ever looked at Sarel Pretorius's tackling stats??? He has missed more than any other player in the S15. In my opinion, that will not crack it at international level.

DeonL - 2011-06-24 14:40

This will increase the Boks changes in future games.

Karoobloed - 2011-06-24 15:08

Many RSA Rugby supporters have the annoying habit of playing the man and not the ball. I believe Ricky January has been past his "best-by" date for a long time, but always cringed when he was criticiized and mocked as if he had selected himself.
Like myself, Mr. January's roots are in the Karoo. However, he certainly had to overcome many more initial obstacles in life than myself and most other commentators on these blogs. He persisted with admirable grittiness and will certainly always be remembered for scoring that unbelievable try in Dunedin which ended a Springbok curse that lasted for almost a century.
For all of that I take my hat off to him. Take a bow Mr. January - go very, very well.

Superdude - 2011-06-24 16:11

LexLuther - nice avatar.
Januarie in his prime was combative and heroic in defence. His try against the All Blacks was a sweet moment in SA rugby history. Good luck Ricky, there should still be plenty of gas in the tank to cash in playing rugby in France.

StBad - 2011-06-24 18:49

@Neo, ditto... that try will go into the anuls of 'greatest SA rugby moments' of all time I reckon!

Brannas - 2011-06-24 19:33

Good riddens, now John Smit must follow suit

Spyker May - 2011-06-24 21:02

Ag, please, daddy... can’t you get John Smit to do the same..!?!

1nawty0 - 2011-06-25 08:33

Rugby is not for the faint hearted and you sir have more courage than most......However There was a drop in form(for about a year) and I became one of the critics of the COACH when he included you in the squad (not personal).... you have recovered from the slump (somewhat..) I thank you for your contribution to the springboks and wish you all the best for the future!

Mr.Mike - 2011-06-25 22:41

Durnan Dave, i salute you too- Ricky always gave his best and all his detractors will eat humble pie come the world cup

Ace Ventura - 2011-06-24 12:19

I will Miss you!!!

gooinat - 2011-06-24 12:26

Knew you will come round one day Ace:):)

Raka13 - 2011-06-24 12:26

Thought so. 50 games with 14 men on the field, was not easy.

The_Fox - 2011-06-24 12:29

Must be a fake Lloyd?

Gilgamesh - 2011-06-24 12:42

Ace/Lloyd, commenting on another person's family like that is completely distasteful and the furthest thing from funny. You should apologise.

Amelam - 2011-06-24 12:42

@Ace Ventura. The second most mindless, unwitty, pathetic comment after that of Andre du Preez. Grow up man.

SAFFA ,i believe it,and would like to find out who it is ,That is the main reason why i decided to spend less time on news 24 as well as Sparkies vulgar comments about a 12 year old girl.I said from the beginning im not an angel but after a tantrum or two learnt where to draw the line.

Sorry Lloyd - I don't know who is faking you (I think Dr Paul might have faked you once but I don't think it is he faking you this time) I was committed to solving the doctor riddle, so I haven't studied the other fakes that much to be honest. If you know who it is - you must expose him. But Sport 24 did say that they are working on 'blocking' the registering of usernames that are already in use. (Future)

Shaft-Your-Own - 2011-06-24 19:59

Stop it - you are confusing me heheheheheheheheh

sonnyg - 2011-06-24 12:19

Good luck Ricky.

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-06-24 12:19

Go well Ricky! You deserved a lot of the criticism you got, but a LOT of it was undeserved as well. There are many other 'Boks" who deserve to be given MORE of a hard time than you were ever given. My biggest wish is that a few of them would announce their immediate retirement......and no, I refer not to John Smit, but to a few others. Topping the list: Tinker8bell.

gooinat - 2011-06-24 12:24

@Saffa,my words exactly,Janaurie knew if he went to the WC he would go for all the wrong reasons,well done Januarie wish some of your international team mates would think like you think.

The Goose - 2011-06-24 12:41

+1

frans.visserdsb - 2011-06-24 13:28

the day Wynand 'twee tree' Olivier puts everyone out of his misery and retires from international rugby i will celebrate... mind you, i quite like him in the bulls side. Makes it very easy to defend against them.

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-06-24 13:47

@Watalife and Gooinat HOWDY. Man some of these Bulls chaps are delusional.......I say again, at least Ricky HAD a damn good Bok career. Some of their heroes have done exactly WHAT in a Bok jersey? I wish they could provide us with proof that Olivier and Spies have actually been on the FIELD as Boks - I know their names have been on the teamsheets, but I haven't seen them on the field? I think I need video evidence....

gooinat - 2011-06-24 13:56

When the TMO instructs the ref if a try is scored or not they always use the word inconclusive,I think thats about how its summons up Spies and Olivier's contribution in a Bok jersey.

BLOODY AGENT - 2011-06-24 14:03

Gooinat more or less the same can be said about your comments on news24 lol,Howdy mate,trust you and the cat had a good day

frans.visserdsb - 2011-06-24 14:06

Saffa - I actually firmly believe a lot of the stats regarding tackles that are attributed to WO in the Bulls side is actually Potgieter... Even then he averages 3-5 passes a game - as an inside centre... and if he is lucky he will break the line once a game. most of the time he is very predictable. I don't think he has ever contributed in a Springbok jersey...

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-06-24 14:08

@Gooinat - ROTFLMAO - inconclusive. lollllllllllllllllllllll

gooinat - 2011-06-24 14:15

Alwyn,did you just call me mate,no please what have you done with the old Alwyn,this ou is far to nice..You gonna watch the game tomorrow Alwyn????

BLOODY AGENT - 2011-06-24 14:20

SAFFA,The suspect apart from the doctor is Mummford,Sparkies,The last few weeks he started with more abusive comments and it matched a few of the comments on the fake profiles,i might be wrong but Grinch and a few others came to the same conclusion,Would like to hear your opinion

BLOODY AGENT - 2011-06-24 14:22

Gooinat i have always been a nice bloke but your provincialism made you to blind to notice it,hahahahahaha,i will be watching,i still love my rugby

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-06-24 14:24

@Frans - ROTFLMAO - classic.

gooinat - 2011-06-24 14:26

Alwyn,good for you my buddy:):)

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-06-24 14:36

@Alwyn - to be honest, I didn't see the comments yesterday that caused all the trouble. They were all removed it seems. I check the spelling, grammar, use of adjectives, certain verbs etc etc to match fake profiles to 'real' profiles. I know Sparkies profiles were also faked twice, and disgusting comments were made on the fake profile. But his real profile was online at the same time - and the fake was bust. So I'm not sure what you and Lloyd have discovered - but I know there have been 2 fake Sparkies.

BLOODY AGENT - 2011-06-24 14:44

SAF,if you can recall 3 months ago i had a tantrum regarding a comment made by mummford about my daughter,and it just seems odd that he before the profile stealing focussed on that and knew how to get to me by making the same remarks yesterday,I noticed that his profile were also used by the idiot but the remarks the real Spark made was not acceptable,boasting that he slept with my 12 year old daughter ,not cool,not even for this blog

BLOODY AGENT - 2011-06-24 14:45

Thanks for replying SAFFA

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-06-24 14:58

@Alwyn - are you sure it was the real Sparkies though? Serious question. Because the fake uses the peoples Avatars/Pics everything? And the fake is usually online at the SAME TIME as what the real people are. Ek weet nie, maar ek dink nie Mummford sal sulke siek aanmerkings maak? Ek weet wel dat die fake dit sal doen - want hy het al 'n paar keer. ENIGE sulke aanmerkings is siek and I will never condone such behaviour from anyone - but I reckon (my opinion) that all such disgusting and anti-social behaviour will stop once usernames can't be copied anymore.

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-06-24 15:00

@Alwyn - and to add: anyone that DOES make such vulgar and sick comments, does not deserve to communicate on such forums. (Doesn't matter who or what they are)

BLOODY AGENT - 2011-06-24 15:14

SAFFA, ek will jou wrottle wrottle

Raka13 - 2011-06-24 15:25

The Fake also only immitate certain profiles?SAFFA, Lloyd/ACE,AGENT??

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-06-24 15:47

@Raka13 - The doc (Effel) admitted to faking my profile. But I don't think it is him faking Lloyds profile.

frans.visserdsb - 2011-06-24 12:20

Thanks Ricky - You were a good scrummie, but it looked as if you had lost your touch... thanks for doing the honourable thing and retiring... I will always remember that sniping break in Dunedin...

Ace Ventura - 2011-06-24 12:34

Wish John would do the same.

jk - 2011-06-24 12:56

please forget the duneden thing, its like remembering the halloucast

darkwing - 2011-06-24 12:59

What's a halloucast?

The_Fox - 2011-06-24 13:25

A "Halloucast" WTF?

CapeTownJunk - 2011-06-24 12:21

Love him or hate him, that try in Dunedin was a great moment in Springbok rugby history.

Gilgamesh - 2011-06-24 12:43

Quite possibly the greatest ever Springbok try.

The_Fox - 2011-06-24 12:48

It was MONUMENTAL and will be remembered forever.

CapeTownJunk - 2011-06-24 12:48

@Gilgamesh: As a moment of individual match-winning brilliance against quality opposition, I'm not sure any Springbok try could be regarded as its equal.

Gilgamesh - 2011-06-24 13:02

I remember when he scored, I heard the entire suburb erupt! As much as I'm not a PDiv fan, his reaction was awesome too. I don't remember much about the post match celebrations but the state of my head the next morning must have equated to a good time. I should go on a mission to get Ricky well hammered one day, just so I can get some payback.

BLOODY AGENT - 2011-06-24 14:05

Giily ,no i believe that the Richard Bands try where he run almost 50 m sidestepped Carlor Spencer could fall in that catogory

BLOODY AGENT - 2011-06-24 14:14

Carlos-typo

Gilgamesh - 2011-06-24 14:21

Agent, I believe it was less of a side-step and more of hand-off of biblical proportions. That try was awesome, but in the context of the match, I still think Ricky pips him. Did we win or lose the match when Bands scored that try? I'm sure it was a loss.
I see I have 9 thumbs down for the try comment. Any other suggestions?

DeonL - 2011-06-24 14:47

Joost also had a few great tries, he still is with Habana the leading try scorer.

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-06-24 15:06

@Gilgamesh - I agree with you 100%. In the context of Bok rugby history - Ricky's try wins hands down. (others won't agree - but I feel the same way you do about it)

thyspelser - 2011-06-24 12:21

Thanks Januarie! Now hopefully John Smit will also do the honourable thing and retire in July!

The_Fox - 2011-06-24 12:28

Wouldn't that be awesome?

StaalBurgher - 2011-06-24 12:44

We can only hope.

BLOODY AGENT - 2011-06-24 14:06

And Habana please

Kevin - 2011-06-24 22:05

Do you want to win the World cup. Not possible without John.( Also need as many Sharks as possible)

paypalawsuit - 2011-06-24 12:22

this is the first time i am happy about news from this player.

Jerry - 2011-06-24 12:24

Good luck Ricky ! You have done us proud.

pikkie - 2011-06-24 13:23

Hear. Hear.

Jacques - 2011-06-24 12:24

Dunedin 2008: You achieved more in a couple of seconds than those slanting you on here will achieve collectively in their lifetimes. Go well.

The_Fox - 2011-06-24 12:28

Well said Jacques!

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-06-24 12:32

EXACTLY - and in the grander scheme of things, Ricky has achieved more than what "mediocre" players like Spies, Olivier etc will EVER achieve in a Springbok jersey.

Raka13 - 2011-06-24 12:38

Saffa, the New Crusader supporters will reply soon, how dare you talk such truth on a public website?

KGF - 2011-06-24 12:41

Yeah, what a try!!! People also forget he played in the game we almost won there 2 years before that and set Jaques Fourie up for a late try.

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-06-24 12:54

@Raka13 - If the 'new' Sader fans can't take my Jedi wisdom, they are as pitiful as the woeful players I mentioned above. They will never admit it - but Ricky, as I have said before, has never let the Bok team down. Some of 'their' heroes have 30 plus Bok caps, yet the only evidence there is that Player "A" and Player "B" have even played for the Boks - is the frikkin teamsheets where there names are mentioned.

MustBeCrazy - 2011-06-24 12:59

Here Here Jacques. Go well Ricky. Hopefully some experience can be passed on to our kids in the Boland when you return from France.

The_Fox - 2011-06-24 12:27

Go well Ricky.

RL - 2011-06-24 12:27

much respect ricky because im pretty sure you could have forced div's hand to include you in the squad as another black face ... thanks for the service and drubbing of the kiwis in their backyard. all the best.

Adam - 2011-06-24 12:32

x

The_Fox - 2011-06-24 12:47

Is that "x" meant to be a kiss?

Hannes van der Linde - 2011-06-24 12:56

No fox, I reckon it was meant to be an x

Seekaptein - 2011-06-24 12:32

Good Luck January, hopefully in a few years time you come back from overseas with experience and greater fitness and then once again be a great attribute for SA Rugby and the Springboks

Raka13 - 2011-06-24 12:42

Seekaptein - easy Tiger, not so fast, I know you mean well, but seriously....

The_Fox - 2011-06-24 12:46

I think he'll retire after his stint in Lyon - he is already 29 after all..

CP - 2011-06-24 12:32

so he's improving Lyon, WP, Stormers and Bokke all in one go..... not bad! :-)

Fred703 - 2011-06-24 13:57

nicely said - hope we will be seeing similar improvements before kickoff?

The_Fox - 2011-06-24 12:32

Although it's sad to see Ricky go I am glad for Duvvies who will now be the Stormers' official no.1 srummie.

Adam - 2011-06-24 12:32

Great servant to South African rugby. Good luck in France.

RobinHood - 2011-06-24 12:47

big servant as well - he knew where the pies were buried

Gert Konsert - 2011-06-24 13:22

An exellent career the man had with SA rugby, and he can be proud of that.
He lacked some intensity with distributing hot pies from set phases the last couple of seasons, but i'm sure that the dietary-gourmet pies awaiting in France will do him well!!
Good luck Ricky!!

Rampage15 - 2011-06-24 12:33

Thank u for all you have done for SA rugby ppl forget at 1 stage of your career you were the 2nd best in your position. I hope now that opens the door for Sarel. John Smit its your turn now to retire and give a better player a chance to play. Farewell Ricky

Rob van den Heuvel - 2011-06-24 13:44

Followed by Bryan. Sorry, nothing personal - he was once a great player...

Sir Charles - 2011-06-24 12:35

SIT VIR SAREL IN !!!!!!!!

pikkie - 2011-06-24 13:21

Ditto

Raka13 - 2011-06-24 14:00

Sarel is a great scrummie, especially on attack, bur in all honesty (yes I am a Stormers) I think Duvenhage at the moment will be a better selection. Duvenhage for me is better on defence and can also stand in at 10 and kicking duties. Before you let your wild animals(Cheetahs, Lions, Bulls, Sharks etc) loose in the Storm, do not misundertand me, Sarel is a great player.

You can spot the province supporters a mile away on here...with comments like "great servant for SA rugby" and "You have done us proud".....Thank God he is no longer available for selection...Good luck overseas Rick....But thanks for leaving.....china

Kok - 2011-06-24 12:40

Huh??!! That is bad news. I couldn't first believe it, but i assume it's real. Ricky was one of my favourite players in SA rugby. This is a sad day. But all of the best Ricky with the new chapter of your life. You were a great example and inspiration for young coloured rugby players. Thanks for serving rugby so well. And thanks for all the memories - good and bad. You'll surely be missed.

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-06-24 13:25

@Kok - and for ONCE you and I can agree on something. Cheers.

Kok - 2011-06-24 13:35

Thanks SAFFA. One problem: It didnt manage to get tickets for Newlands next weekend. Thats tragic.

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-06-24 13:40

You didn't get tickets? I have 4. But I got them before they went on sale through Club Newlands. I reckon they sold out pretty quickly yesterday when they went on sale to the public - I heard Computicket crashed again?

gooinat - 2011-06-24 13:43

I was also in the q and it crashed I had to get back to work so I lost out as well,sh@t hapens!!!!!

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-06-24 13:49

@Gooinat and Kok - its the same sh*te every time with Computicket. Join Club Newlands....seriously. You get option on tickets before they go on sale to the public. Ok, the max you get is 4, but when it comes to semi's and finals - you take what you can get, and 4 is fine :) Add that to any season tickets you may have, and you have quite a few tickets in the end.

Kok - 2011-06-24 14:00

It's gonna be a problem for me to join Club Newlands. That means I must support WP. I already do - with my ticket money. Thats enough. I am waiting on box tickets. If i don't get, me and friends will create a mini fanpark at someones home. ONE PLUS POINT FOR STORMERS: THERE WILL BE FEWER CAPE CRUSADERS FANS THIS TIME ROUND.

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-06-24 14:10

@kok - nah - you join just so that you know you have tickets for the important games. It is well worth it (you can always keep it secret from your Sader supporting friends)

gooinat - 2011-06-24 14:21

@Kok,come on join up now man,we can meet for a drink at the meet and greets,like Saffa says then you can meet some real rugby players@Saffa,did you watch the short interview with Duane Vermeulen last night,I felt really sorry for him although he remains very positive.

Kok - 2011-06-24 14:42

Will think about it

Shaft-Your-Own - 2011-06-25 07:57

Kokkie do not desert me - please stay negative. Do not open your heart to the sunshine,

I'm glad he retired from the Boks, think he was one of the best , but not anymore. I can understand when a rugby player is out of form that people become personel and not blaming the coach that chose hime in bad form. (Andre)

Way over due, but better now than later. Well done for calling time when there is still time to do so. Ironically, by retiring he wins more respect than playing below par in the Bok jersey!

StaalBurgher - 2011-06-24 12:43

Now... if only we could somehow get Smit to retire as well? Both have had good Bok careers and should know when to call it quits. Go enjoy the French wine and the big pay check.

GTFO - 2011-06-24 12:43

what is it with you lot...first he gets picked for the springbok side and everones up in smoke on how is it possible that he is there, i agree he is K@k...now that he is leaving everone is all" awww we will miss you"...please i dont see why you people are happy all of a sudd.....oh never mind i see now(-;

Let us hope a few others get the cue and follow suite. Nice Work Ricky, you are honest and not overstaying your welcome.

mysticBoer - 2011-06-24 12:57

Ag dankie tog!

Timothy - 2011-06-24 12:59

This is a very good decision indeed. Im not a Ricky fan but don't forget that one test that he won for us, when the whole country was cheering "Ricky"!!!! Against the blacks, when he made that little chip kick in die dying minutes. remember? Unfortunately since the 07 world cup he hand an extreme drop in form. He has never been the player that he used to be 4 years back. Give credit where credit is due....he has been around along time and he has done some good things on his day. He is definitely way behind our current scrumhalves, and I think Ricky realizes that. This is a very wise decision and a classic example of getting out at the right time. I wish Ricky well on his journey to France. Will you be missed? mmmm I dont know

Mufassa - 2011-06-24 13:00

Good Luck Ricky... May you find form (again) at your new beginnings. You did a brave and respectable thing by realizing you are not up for it anymore. Just wish our captain would grow the same pair you had and do the same honorable thing!!!

Dawoedctsa - 2011-06-24 13:00

Ricky - you are a reliable and ferocious warrior - good luck i hope you make lots of cash!

Aabels - 2011-06-24 13:01

Wow!!!!!!! What a loss for the Spur and Kentucky Fied Chicken. They will miss you Rickie. Good Luck in snail country.

logical - 2011-06-24 13:02

He didn't do anything honorable! The only reason he asked to be withdrawn was because the money was way more than what he would have earned playing for the Boks. Just be glad the management at Lyon were stupid enough to pay so much for a liability.